Solent Partners established to promote prosperity and sustainability of region's economy

By Giles Gwinnett

29 November 2023

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Solent Partners, the collaboration, which has evolved from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), was officially introduced on November 27.

The aim is to support the Solent region to become a world-class, innovative, dynamic low-carbon economy by continuing to work with partners across all sectors to support businesses, develop talent and encourage inward investment.

Its long-term goals encompass five priorities, which were set out in the Solent 2050 strategy.

The first is to 'connect' across private, public, education, research, and third sectors across the UK and internationally. The second is to 'advocate' by championing and showcasing the Solent on the regional, national and international stage.

Another key aim is to 'provide' independent, business-led, strategic economic and sector leadership for the Solent via ongoing, evidence-based strategic planning.

The fourth is to 'collaborate' widely with business and industry to ensure its strategy and programmes are current and impactful, while the fifth priority is to 'deliver' programmes to grow the Solent economy.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "I look forward to continuing to work with Solent Partners, building on the strong foundations laid by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership which have brought enormous benefits across the Solent."

Rachael Randall, chair of Solent Partners, added: "We’re proud of what our team has achieved so far, and as Solent Partners we can harness the exciting opportunities that make our region so successful and provide what’s needed to deliver the kind of prosperity, profitability and sustainability that’s possible when energised business leaders come together."

Councillor Phil Jordan, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: "I am pleased that Solent Partners can help to support and deliver our aspirations and achievements in an effective way, building on past projects and successes through the previous Solent LEP organisation."

Councillor Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, said: "Partnership working will be critical to unlocking the significant potential of the Solent Economy, and raising prosperity for all in our region."

Find out more about Solent Partners HERE.

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By Giles Gwinnett

Giles Gwinnett is a writer at The Business Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and covered a vast array of topics at a range of media settings - in print and online. After his NCTJ newspaper training, he became a reporter in Hampshire before moving to a news agency in Gloucestershire. In recent years, he has been covering the financial markets along with company news for an investor-focused web portal. His many interests include politics, energy and the environment. He lives in Dorset.